DEC warns against attempts to free tangled whales

A specialist team was able to free the whale of fishing ropes and buoys. (file)

ABC TV

The Department of Conservation has warned against the public trying to free entangled marine animals following the rescue of a humpback whale on the weekend.

The 10 metre long whale was spotted off Two Rocks on Saturday morning with heavy ropes and flotation buoys wrapped around it.

The DEC's Doug Coughran says local fishermen played a vital role in tracking the whale, allowing a specialist response team to free the mammal.

But, he says the public should not attempt to disentangle the whales as it is a high risk operation.

"We have specialist gear, equipment and trained staff to deal with these situations," he said.

"People have died trying to disentangle whales before and it's important that we approach these things with people's safety number one."

Mr Coughran says the fishermen's assistance was appreciated.

"Had it not been for the fishermen standing by, we certainly wouldn't have found it," he said.

"The important thing is that the boating community are letting us know about whales in trouble and, by doing the right things and staying safe, they've been able to pass on the information for us to respond which is greatly appreciated."

Click here to read our special report on why whales being tangled in ropes and buoys will be more common this season.